Bubble vs Retool | 13 Factors to Decide the Best One

Not all app builders are created equal. In 2025, no-code and low-code platforms are powering over 65% of new business apps, but choosing the right one depends on your goals.

Bubble is the go-to no-code tool for building fully functional, customer-facing apps without writing code. It's used by startups, solo founders, and SaaS builders to launch real products fast.

Retool, on the other hand, is trusted by engineering teams at companies like Amazon, DoorDash, and NBC to build powerful internal tools in hours using their existing databases and APIs.

So which one fits your workflow—Bubble’s visual freedom for public apps or Retool’s backend-first speed for internal dashboards? In this guide, we break down the 13 most important factors like design, logic, data integration, scalability, and pricing to help you choose the right platform for your next project.

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Quick Comparison Table - Bubble vs. Retool

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1. What’s the core difference between Bubble and Retool?

The core difference between Bubble and Retool lies in who they’re built for and what types of apps they power.

Bubble is a no-code platform designed to build fully functional, customer-facing web and mobile applications like SaaS tools, marketplaces, and booking platforms. It gives you full control over UI, workflows, database logic, and app behavior—all without writing code. It’s ideal for startups and solo founders building MVPs or launching production-ready apps.

Retool, on the other hand, is a low-code platform built for developers who need to create internal tools fast—like admin panels, dashboards, and CRMs. You drag and drop UI components, connect databases or APIs, and write custom logic in JavaScript.

In short: Bubble is for building public apps without coding. Retool is for building internal tools faster, with some coding. Your choice depends on whether your app faces customers or your team.

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2. Use Case Suitability

Bubble and Retool are both powerful—but they shine in very different use cases. Let’s break it down.

Is Bubble good for building SaaS apps and MVPs?

Yes, Bubble is an excellent choice for building SaaS apps and MVPs. It allows you to visually design user interfaces, create custom workflows, manage databases, and handle user authentication—all without code. This makes it perfect for startups and solo founders looking to test or launch full products fast.

Whether you’re building a marketplace, booking app, or subscription-based service, Bubble gives you the freedom to create custom logic and scale your app over time. It’s ideal for public-facing platforms that need complete design and feature control.

Is Retool better for building internal tools and admin panels?

Absolutely. Retool is purpose-built for creating internal tools like admin dashboards, CRMs, approval systems, and reporting panels. It connects directly to your database or APIs and lets you quickly assemble powerful interfaces using pre-built components like tables, forms, and charts.

Developers can add business logic using JavaScript, which makes it flexible yet fast to build. It’s perfect for operations, customer support, and backend teams that need tools tailored to their workflows. If you want to replace spreadsheets or manual processes with functional internal apps, Retool is the better choice.

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3. Ease of Use

Both platforms simplify app development—but in different ways depending on your background and goals.

How easy is it to build an app with Bubble?

Bubble is beginner-friendly for non-developers but comes with a learning curve. You don’t need to write code, but you do need to understand app logic, database structure, and responsive design. Its drag-and-drop editor makes building visual interfaces simple, and you can create complex workflows using Bubble’s visual logic system.

There are plenty of tutorials and templates to help you get started. It’s ideal for founders or product managers who want full control over their app without relying on a developer.

If you don't have enough time to learn Bubble, reach out to us. We are a Silver-tier Bubble agency and have built over 330 no-code apps. Yours could be next.

Is Retool easy for developers and technical teams?

Yes, Retool is built for speed and simplicity—especially for developers. You can quickly drag and drop components like tables, charts, and buttons, then connect them to your database or APIs. Logic and data manipulation are handled with JavaScript, which makes it very flexible for technical teams.

Retool reduces the time it takes to build admin tools from days to hours. It’s not designed for non-tech users, but for engineers who want to move fast without building internal tools from scratch, it’s incredibly efficient.

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4. Design Flexibility

Design control plays a big role in how your app looks and feels. Here's how Bubble and Retool compare on customization.

Can you fully customize the UI in Bubble?

Yes, Bubble gives you complete control over your app’s design. You can build responsive layouts, choose fonts, colors, spacing, and animations, and control every element on the page. The visual editor works like a design canvas, allowing pixel-level precision without writing code.

You can also create reusable components and build your own design system. Whether you want a modern SaaS dashboard or a mobile-first marketplace, Bubble makes it possible to design exactly what you imagine. It’s ideal for creating polished, user-facing applications with unique branding.

How much design control does Retool give you?

Retool focuses more on functionality than design. You can rearrange components, adjust spacing, apply basic themes, and control layout behavior, but design flexibility is limited compared to Bubble. It offers a clean and consistent look across all tools, which is great for internal apps, but not suitable for custom branding or customer-facing interfaces.

If your priority is speed and usability for internal teams, Retool does the job well. However, if you need full design freedom and advanced styling, you may find Retool restrictive.

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5. Workflow and Logic Customization

How you define and control logic inside your app determines its behavior. Let’s look at how Bubble and Retool manage it.

How does Bubble handle workflows and app logic?

Bubble uses a visual workflow editor that lets you create logic without writing code. You can define what happens when a user clicks a button, submits a form, or loads a page. Workflows can include conditionals, database actions, API calls, and custom states.

It’s powerful enough to build complex app logic, including user authentication, payment flows, and multi-step processes. While it takes time to learn, it allows full control over how your app behaves. Bubble is ideal for building full applications with dynamic logic and user interactions.

Can you use JavaScript and SQL logic in Retool?

Yes, Retool is built with developers in mind and supports custom logic using JavaScript and SQL. You can write queries directly to fetch, update, or manipulate data from your database or APIs. Then, use JavaScript to control how components behave based on that data.

This flexibility allows developers to create powerful internal tools with dynamic interfaces, conditional logic, and data transformations. Retool doesn’t hide the code—it enhances it. If your team is comfortable working with code, you’ll appreciate how Retool combines fast UI building with direct logic control.

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6. Data Integration

Connecting your app to live data is essential for building real, usable tools. Here’s how Bubble and Retool handle data integration.

What data sources can you connect to Bubble?

Bubble comes with its own built-in database, which is great for managing users, content, and app data. You can also connect to external data sources using API connectors. This allows you to fetch or send data from third-party services, external databases, or custom backends.

Bubble supports RESTful APIs, OAuth authentication, and dynamic expressions for flexible data handling. While it's not made for direct SQL queries, you can use plugins or custom APIs to bridge the gap. It’s best suited for apps where data flows through APIs or Bubble’s own database.

What integrations are available in Retool?

Retool excels in connecting directly to data sources like PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Firebase, Google Sheets, REST APIs, and GraphQL. It also integrates with tools like Stripe, Twilio, Airtable, and Salesforce. You can run SQL queries, fetch data via APIs, and bind the results directly to UI components.

Retool supports secure connections, environment variables, and granular permissions. It’s ideal for working with live production data in internal tools. If your team already uses multiple databases or APIs, Retool makes it easy to connect, display, and act on that data without switching platforms.

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7. Security and Permissions

Security and access control are critical, especially when working with user data or internal business systems. Here’s how both platforms handle it.

How secure is Bubble for building public-facing apps?

Bubble provides solid security features for public-facing apps, including SSL encryption, role-based privacy rules, and built-in user authentication. You can set detailed permissions for who can view or modify data, and control access based on user roles or custom logic. Bubble hosts apps on AWS infrastructure and offers DDoS protection, secure data storage, and automatic backups.

While it’s secure enough for most production apps, advanced security features like HIPAA compliance or audit logs may require third-party services or custom setup. It’s a strong option for startups and SaaS apps handling standard user data.

What permission controls does Retool offer for internal teams?

Retool offers robust permission controls tailored for internal tool use. You can manage user access with role-based permissions, restrict visibility of certain apps or components, and connect to authentication providers like Okta, Google, or SAML. Retool also supports granular resource permissions, so teams only access the data they need.

Enterprise plans include audit logs, environment controls, and advanced security policies. It’s built with developer teams in mind, so permissions are easy to manage at scale. For companies with multiple roles and sensitive internal data, Retool provides enterprise-level access control.

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8. Scalability and Performance

If you're building for growth, your platform needs to handle increasing users and data without slowing down. Here's how Bubble and Retool compare.

Can Bubble apps scale for thousands of users?

Yes, Bubble apps can scale, but it depends on how well the app is built and optimized. Bubble runs on scalable AWS infrastructure and offers capacity upgrades to handle more users or heavier workloads. Bubble also allows to integration of external databases for scalability.

However, performance can vary based on how you structure workflows, database queries, and design elements. Bubble apps may need optimization or even backend support through APIs for high-volume use. It works well for startups and growing apps, but large-scale enterprise performance may require custom scaling strategies or dedicated plans to ensure stability at scale.

How does Retool perform for enterprise use?

Retool is built for enterprise performance. It connects directly to your existing infrastructure, so it doesn't slow down under scale—it pulls and updates data in real time. It offers features like load balancing, audit logs, user provisioning, and environment management, which are essential for large teams.

With self-hosted and cloud deployment options, Retool can fit tightly within enterprise security and compliance needs. Performance largely depends on the connected data sources, not Retool itself. For internal tools that need speed, reliability, and access control across departments, Retool performs exceptionally well.

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9. Deployment Options

How and where you deploy your app matters, especially for security, control, and scalability. Here's what each platform offers.

Does Bubble offer cloud hosting or export options?

Bubble provides fully managed cloud hosting as part of its platform. Your app is hosted on AWS, with built-in SSL, backups, and infrastructure scaling. However, Bubble does not offer full code export, which means you cannot host the entire app elsewhere.

While you can export data and use APIs to connect with external systems, the app itself must run on Bubble’s servers. This simplifies deployment and maintenance but limits flexibility for teams that need full control over hosting or infrastructure. It’s best suited for those who want fast launch without server management.

Can you self-host Retool on your own infrastructure?

Yes, Retool offers self-hosting options, which is a major advantage for enterprise teams with strict security or compliance needs. You can deploy it on your own servers using Docker, Kubernetes, or even air-gapped environments. This gives you full control over data access, infrastructure, and internal policies.

The cloud-hosted version is also available and works well for most teams, but self-hosting is ideal for organizations that require on-premise solutions. Retool’s flexibility in deployment makes it a strong fit for companies managing sensitive data or operating within regulated industries.

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10. Version Control and Collaboration

When working with teams or building complex apps, version control and collaboration features become essential. Here’s how Bubble and Retool handle them.

Does Bubble support multiple app versions and backups?

Yes, Bubble includes built-in version control features like version history, backups, and the ability to create development and live environments. You can make changes in a safe development mode before pushing updates to your live app. Bubble also allows you to restore previous versions of your app if something breaks.

While it doesn’t support Git integration, its visual versioning tools are useful for solo makers and small teams. For collaboration, paid plans support multiple editors, but real-time collaboration features are limited compared to traditional developer tools.

How does version control work in Retool with Git?

Retool offers Git integration, which is especially helpful for development teams that follow structured deployment workflows. You can sync your Retool apps with a Git repository to manage changes, review commits, and control rollbacks. This setup allows for staging and production environments and supports collaboration with pull requests and approvals.

Developers can track edits, revert to previous versions, and maintain a history of changes across apps. Combined with user permissions and environment separation, Git support in Retool makes it easier to manage internal tools across large teams while maintaining stability and compliance.

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11. Mobile Responsiveness

A good app should work smoothly across all devices. Let’s see how Bubble and Retool handle mobile and tablet responsiveness.

Is Bubble responsive for mobile and tablet views?

Yes, Bubble supports responsive design for mobile and tablet devices. It includes a responsive editor that lets you adjust layouts, element visibility, spacing, and breakpoints based on screen size. You can create mobile-first designs or tailor each view individually.

However, building fully responsive interfaces in Bubble requires planning and testing, especially for complex apps. While it may take some effort to perfect, you have full control over how your app looks on different devices, making it suitable for public-facing apps that need mobile optimization.

Can Retool apps adapt well on mobile devices?

Retool is primarily designed for desktop use, and its mobile responsiveness is limited. Some components adjust to smaller screens, but overall layouts are not optimized for mobile out of the box. Retool does offer a separate Retool Mobile product, which allows teams to build mobile-specific internal tools with simplified components and offline access.

If mobile access is critical for your internal users, Retool Mobile is a better fit than the standard builder. For desktop-first internal tools, the core platform works well, but mobile support may feel restricted.

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12. Limitations of Each Platform

No tool is perfect. Understanding the limitations of Bubble and Retool helps you make a more informed choice.

What are the main drawbacks of using Bubble?

Bubble offers powerful no-code flexibility, but it has a few limitations. Performance can slow down if apps are not well-optimized, especially with large databases or complex workflows. Hosting is tied to Bubble’s infrastructure, so you can’t self-host or export full source code.

Responsive design takes time to master, and advanced features like Git integration or real-time collaboration are not available. While great for building MVPs and custom apps, Bubble may not meet strict compliance or scaling needs without additional workarounds or backend support.

What are the limitations of using Retool?

Retool is excellent for building internal tools quickly, but it’s not designed for public-facing apps. Design customization is limited, and creating fully branded interfaces is not practical. While it supports code, non-technical users may find it less intuitive. Some advanced features, such as Git integration or audit logs, are only available on higher-tier plans.

Also, while Retool excels at connecting to data, the experience depends on the performance of external sources. It’s powerful for internal dashboards and admin panels, but not suitable for customer-facing applications or products that need advanced UI flexibility.

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13. When to Choose Each Platform

Choosing the right platform depends on your app’s purpose, your team’s skills, and your long-term goals.

When should you use Bubble instead of Retool?

Use Bubble when you’re building a full web application meant for external users. It’s the better choice for startups, solo founders, or teams building customer-facing products like SaaS tools, marketplaces, or booking platforms. Bubble gives you complete control over UI, workflows, and database logic without needing to code.

It’s especially useful for launching MVPs quickly or creating complex apps with unique functionality. If your priority is flexibility, design control, and a fully customized user experience, Bubble offers everything you need in a visual, no-code environment.

When is Retool a better choice than Bubble?

Retool is the right choice when you need fast, functional internal tools connected to existing databases or APIs. It’s perfect for operations teams, customer support dashboards, admin panels, and reporting tools. If your team includes developers who prefer speed and logic control over visual design, Retool makes it easy to assemble powerful tools in hours instead of days.

It’s not meant for public apps, but for internal workflows that depend on live data. When speed, data connectivity, and developer flexibility matter most, Retool is the stronger option.

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Hire LowCode Agency to Build Your Bubble App

LowCode Agency is a leading Bubble development agency and a Silver-tier Bubble partner, recognized for delivering high-quality, scalable applications. Our team of certified Bubble developers follows best practices to build apps that are optimized for performance, scalability, and long-term growth.

With over 330 successful projects, we have experience in building SaaS platforms, marketplaces, AI-powered apps, custom automation solutions, and internal business tools. Unlike freelancers, we provide end-to-end support, ensuring your app is built to evolve with your business needs.

Our structured development process guarantees seamless execution, timely delivery, and future-proof solutions—making us the trusted choice for serious Bubble projects.

Ready to Build Your Bubble Application? Schedule a discovery call with our team to discuss your project needs.